Receiving feedback is one of those essential parts of professional life that can be both invaluable and, let’s be honest, a bit nerve-wracking. It’s crucial for our growth, but sometimes it can feel like a personal attack. Why is that? Well, our brains have a funny way of reacting to criticism. It can perceive it as a threat, which makes us defensive and anxious.
In this edition of the Hot Seat Coaching newsletter, I want to dive into this and explore how you can tackle the tricky world of feedback.
Who's in the Hot Seat?
Coaching Client: Meet Paige, a Creative Strategist at a prominent studio.
Coaching Challenge: Paige’s challenge was learning to handle and integrate feedback effectively. She found herself struggling to manage feedback sessions without feeling overwhelmed or defensive, which was impacting her ability to grow and lead effectively.
Why Feedback Matters
Feedback is a game-changer for personal and professional growth. It helps us understand what we are doing well and where we can improve. Think of it as a roadmap that guides us toward better performance and career development. It’s all about using these insights to make better decisions and enhance our skills.
Strategies to Embrace Feedback
Paige and I worked on a few strategies to make feedback a lot less intimidating and a lot more productive:
- Understanding the Neuroscience Behind Feedback: Paige learned that the brain’s fight-or-flight response isn’t about personal failure but a natural reaction to perceived threats. By recognizing this, she could approach feedback with a clearer mind. We incorporated mindfulness techniques—like deep breathing exercises—before and after feedback sessions to calm her nervous system. It really helped her stay focused and absorb the feedback better.
- Reframing Feedback as a Growth Opportunity: Instead of seeing feedback as a critique, Paige started viewing it as a golden opportunity for growth. By shifting her mindset, she could see feedback as a collaborative tool rather than a personal attack.
- Seeking Clarification and Follow-Up: To ensure she really understood the feedback, Paige began asking clarifying questions and requesting specific examples. This not only helped her grasp the feedback better but also showed her commitment to improvement. We also scheduled follow-up meetings to track her progress and address any additional questions.
Embrace Feedback with Confidence
By using these strategies, you can turn feedback from a stress-inducing experience into a powerful tool for growth. Understanding your brain’s reaction, reframing feedback, and actively seeking clarification can make all the difference.
Give these strategies a go and see how they can help you approach feedback with a clearer, more positive mindset!